Raw Inspirations – Farmer’s Market

I hate to hate on farmers markets, but this one just doesn’t cut it. When this Farmers Market came on the scene, it was pretty good. It was big, lots of vendors, competition, etc.
Now…it’s really hurting. The food stands are really pricey (a plate of food will run ~ 8 – 10 bucks — and it’s not super good — it’s mostly fried stuff).
The flower selection is pretty limited You can get a dozen roses for $ 9 and a small bouquet for $ 6. The vendors all seem pretty friendly, but there aren’t any great deals here.
The vegetable and fruit selection is… nothing spectacular. I think the farmers market down at the marina is simply far superior. Quite frankly, the FM at WTC is pricey. Definitely pricier than the markets. Just seems steep. Not sure if the vendors think that everyone who works in the WTC is loaded with money (well, the lawyers, are, at least) — but not the general population of folks who work there.
All in all, when they have music playing in the summer, this place is a great place to sit out, bask in the So Cal sun, listen to great musicians, people watch, and relax.
If you want great selection and great prices, go to the Farmer’s Market down at the Marina on Sundays. Much more impressive.

Every Tuesday at the World Trade Center in downtown Long Beach the courtyard is converted in to a Farmer’s Market. Organic produce, fresh flowers, and some hot tasty food is served up to the local community to the sound of live music.
I dropped by without a lot of cash in my pocket and I got a free lunch just sampling the grapes, asian pears and «pluots» (plums crossbred with apricots)
It’s a very organized event and every vendor is certiifed by the state of California. There are also lots of tables and chairs in the shade where you can eat lunch provided by the local vendors who are cooking up everything from Thai to Mexican to Greek food.
Oh and the best part??? Grilled hot dogs wrapped in bacon and topped with grilled jalapeño peppers!